Understanding and caring about people is at the heart of any Creative Enabler and Michael epitomises this ethos. He puts the HUMAN in Human Resources (HR). Speaking with him about leadership and people development is a pleasure. His thoughtfulness, enquiring mind and willingness to help others to succeed contribute to him being part of my Diamond Dozen.

My description of Michael in six words…

Insightful thought-leader investing in leadership globally.

Michael’s Bio

Michael was born in Malaysia before moving to Uganda and then on to the UK where he gained a degree in Chinese from Durham University. After graduating in Chinese, he studied Japanese politics and economics at Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan on a Rotary Foundation scholarship and thereafter worked for Toyota for four years. Following his return to the UK, Michael worked at the University of Bath as Director of the University’s Foreign Languages Centre.

In 1999 he joined INSEAD as Regional Director for Japan and Korea. He then spent nearly 10 years in Singapore working in leadership development. In 2009 he joined Roffey Park Institute in the UK as CEO.
Michael regularly contributes at conferences on leadership-related topics and has a keen interest in leadership in a global context.

In 2013 HR Magazine named Michael as one of the UK’s Most Influential Thinkers in Human Resources.